Tanners Alley Leather



jwong6590 said:

dibadiba, I appreciate your comments. However, the scratches or defects on Tanners Alley Satchel is actually damaged by the maker. It is not second grade hide.

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Was this told to you by the maker? I have quite a lot of experience working with leather, and that looks like a healed scar, as it's darker than the surrounding area. I honestly can't imagine how something that looks like that could be caused by a maker

I would like to get another briefcase in tan color. Which maker do you suggest?



jwong6590 said:

I would like to get another briefcase in tan color. Which maker do you suggest?

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What price range?

Less than usd400.



jwong6590 said:

Less than usd400.

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Sorry, that's much lower than my range of expertise. Are you opposed to buying something used? There are a number of brands you could find used on eBay or on the buy/sell section that would have the higher level of finishing and quality that you want. <$400 is simply going to be lacking in some department, whether it's leather quality of finishing and stitching.

I am actually eyeing at SAB Westminster 3 in London Tan but I am not convinced to spend $2000 on a briefcase and I read that recently their quality has gone downhill.


I have also checked out JP Marcellino in NY and theirs is at $1000 too.

Do I have any other options?



jwong6590 said:

I am actually eyeing at SAB Westminster 3 in London Tan but I am not convinced to spend $2000 on a briefcase and I read that recently their quality has gone downhill.


I have also checked out JP Marcellino in NY and theirs is at $1000 too.

Do I have any other options?

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I've heard similar sentiments regarding SAB. I had a chance to check out their (poorly lit) new location in Piccadilly Arcade in London. Seemed nice and the leather is gorgeous, but some of the 'out of sight' stitching like under the handles and such seemed lacking. Additionally, the recent complaint by a member in the Briefcase Appreciation thread , and the way it was handled by SAB, would give me cause for concern.

I've heard good thing about JP Marcellino. Hardware looks solid, nice leather, but the edges looks like they leave something to be desired.. To be fair, exceptional edge finishing is usually found on exceptional bags, which are probably a grade up from Marcellino and priced accordingly. This goes for all of the finishing really. In the $1000 range, I think they're a decent choice, along with Frank Clegg. For $2000, you should be able to expect better finishing than what you see on a SAB and you should be able to find something that really isn't lacking in any department (quality, finishing, etc)

I appreciate your input. I am also checking out Simon Baker, Casemaker. His stuff seems to be a grade above SAB. What is your view?

Are there any other brands I should check out in the $1000 range?



jwong6590 said:

I appreciate your input. I am also checking out Simon Baker, Casemaker. His stuff seems to be a grade above SAB. What is your view?

Are there any other brands I should check out in the $1000 range?

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If it's the guy I'm thinking of, I've seen his work on the leatherworker.net forums, where I often browse and occasionally post. Looks like very nice stuff, and primarily hand-stitched. I would expect something like that to run for at least a couple thousand dollars, but who knows...

He also post in SF. Casemaker. http://www.styleforum.net/u/173520/casemaker

I am now talking to Joseph. I am pretty sure I am gonna pull the trigger soon.